AES’ Waikoloa solar plus storage project began commercial operations in April 2023 and is the largest project of its kind on Hawai‘i Island. The project’s energy storage system is improving the reliability of the island’s power grid while providing low-cost clean energy to customers when they need it.
Project contact information
If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to our Community Outreach Representative.
Community Outreach Representative: Carrice Gardner
Email: WaikoloaSolar@aes.com
Project Hotline: +1 (808) 800-3942
Plan and Permit Approvals Received
AES has received Hawaii County plan approval, building approval and grading permits for the Waikoloa Solar + Storage Project. Area community members may notice increased activity at the Project site. Throughout the construction process, we will utilize best practices to minimize impacts to the area community, especially traffic, noise, and dust.
Regulatory approvals and community outreach
September 1, 2022 | Presentation to Waimea Community Association
March 16, 2021 – Hawai‘i County Plan Review
June 3, 2021 – Presentation to Waimea Community Association
May 21, 2020 – Presentation to Waimea Community Association
Oct 9, 2019 – Presentation to Waikoloa Leadership Council
November 13, 2018 – Early-stage public community meeting
Public Utilities Commission
$47 million
AES is deeply committed to lifting communities. It is estimated that the Project would result in the creation of approximately 200 jobs and generate a total economic output of an estimated $47 million toward Hawai‘i's economy.
$0.09 kWh
Under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) approved by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the Project would deliver power at $0.09/kWh – one of the lowest in the state for renewable energy, and less than the cost of fossil fuel power.*
7.1%
Upon completion, the Project is anticipated to contribute approximately 7.1% of Hawai‘i Island’s energy needs.*
511,086
The Project is expected to result in total avoided fuel consumption of 511,086 barrels of oil over its 25-year span. *
*Source: Hawaiian Electric Company, PUC Docket No. 2018-0430
Waikoloa Solar + Storage
- 42.2 MWdc solar photovoltaic
- 120 MWh containerized lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS)
- Feeds into Hawaiian Electric (HECO) grid, providing power to Hawai‘i Island customers
- Located in South Kohala District of Hawai‘i Island
- Utilizes approximately 300 acres of land along Waikoloa Road
- 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
- Includes decommissioning and return of Project area to its existing condition (or comparable) at end of lifespan
Project timeline
Collaboration and engagement
AES Distributed Energy is deeply committed to becoming an active, invested member in the communities we serve.
Community input
Throughout the process, AES has and will continue to engage and listen carefully to community feedback on the Project. Specific issues identified by the community thus far are actively being addressed and we continue to seek input to ensure we are responsibly examining concerns.
Traffic
AES is committed to minimizing our impacts on Hawai‘i Island commuters.
- Construction Traffic Management Plan – During the 12-month construction phase, a traffic management plan is being implemented to minimize traffic impacts and to ensure the safety of all commuters.
- Where possible, delivery hours will be coordinated during off-peak hours (from 8 AM - 2 PM.)
- Parking and equipment laydown – Parking and equipment laydown will be located within the Project site.
- Minimal Operational Vehicles and Traffic – upon completion, only 1-2 vehicles per day will be required to operate and maintain the Project.
Fire and safety
Brushfires are a significant community concern and AES takes this issue very seriously.
- Fire Suppression – Each battery storage container is equipped with a fire suppression system that will minimize the risk of fire from Project components.
- Firebreaks – A non-vegetated firebreak will encircle the Project area as well as each battery storage area to further reduce fire risk.
- Vegetation Management – AES will actively maintain the vegetation on-site to minimize the risk of brushfires spreading through the property.
Unexploded ordinance (UXO)
- Safety is AES' number one priority. The Project area is within the Former Waikoloa Maneuver Area.
- Site-Specific Safety Plan has been developed prior to construction activities in accordance with the State of Hawai‘i Areawide Environmental Hazard Management Plan.
Visual impacts
Community members have raised visual impacts as an important consideration.
- Sensitive Siting –As much as possible, the Project has been designed and laid out to reduce visual impacts, especially from neighboring communities.
- Visual Simulations and View Planes –To better understand the visual impacts, AES prepared renderings to simulate views of the project from various vantage points. View and download visual simulations below.
Culture and archaeology
AES recognizes we have a responsibility to respectfully address archaeological and cultural resources early in the process. With this understanding, we started the Project by conducting a Cultural Assessment and an Archaeological Inventory Survey (AIS).
Contact us
We appreciate your interest and participation in Hawai'i's renewable energy future. We look forward to hearing your ideas, thoughts and comments.
Community Outreach Representative: Carrice Gardner
Project Hotline: +1 (808) 800-3942
Email: waikoloasolar@aes.com
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